Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant stated that the State Government is planning to introduce a degree course in fishing from next year. He made this announcement during the Narali Poornima celebrations, organized by the Directorate of Fisheries at Fisheries Jetty where he offered coconuts to the sea for blessings. Dr. Sawant noted that this initiative would help develop new technologies in the fishing industry and also mentioned that the government is currently supporting around four students pursuing fishing degrees outside the state.
Chief Minister urging citizens to keep Goa’s rivers clean and safe, expressed concern that people are disposing of plastics and flowers into the open sea, which are then consumed by fish. This not only harms marine life but also poses health risks to humans who consume the contaminated fish.
CM stated that keeping our rivers clean is the responsibility of every Goan. The Chief Minister also highlighted the concerning trend of fewer Goans selling fish, with more outsiders taking over the trade. This indicates a decline in the fishing tradition among Goans, which he emphasized, must be preserved.
Earlier, CM launched three significant projects Matsya Malaya Vahini, Matsya Aahar and Artificial Reef under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, in presence of Minister of Fisheries Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, Mayor of CCP Panaji Shri Rohit Monserratte, and Shri E. Vallavan, IAS, Secretary of Fisheries.
The Matsya Malaya Vahini is an eco-friendly, moveable fish kiosk designed to enhance fish transportation from landing sites to markets. Its electric design reduces maintenance costs and environmental impact while offering features like on-site cooking and tracking via a mobile app. ten units, costing ₹85 lakhs, have been sanctioned under PMMSY.
Matsya Aahar is a fish retail outlet and AC restaurant built from shipping containers. It includes live fish vending and a rooftop barbecue, with a capacity of 5,000 kg per kiosk and requiring ten staff. Twenty-five units, totaling ₹2.5 crores, are set to be sanctioned.
The artificial reefs project aims to boost marine biodiversity and fish stocks by deploying three reef models Triangle, Wellring, and Grouper along the coast. These reefs will offer shelter and breeding grounds, benefiting the fishing community.
Extending his greetings to the fishing community on the occasion of Narali Poornima, Minister of Fisheries Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar highlighted the ongoing efforts by both the Central and State Governments to boost fishing activities. He noted that various schemes and new technologies are being introduced to enhance the State’s fishing industry and improve its economy. Government has implemented several schemes for fish and mussel farming, with 450 beneficiaries having benefited from these initiatives last year, he added.
On the occasion, sanction orders were issued to 15 beneficiaries under various schemes, including financial assistance for purchasing motorcycles with ice boxes, three-wheelers with ice boxes, medium-scale ornamental fish rearing units (both marine and freshwater), and fish kiosks for aquarium/ornamental fish. Additionally, a book titled “Goa Fish Trail’, highlighting the achievements and schemes of the Fisheries Department, was released.
Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director, Fisheries welcomed the gathering .Smt. Shanti Makwana, Dy. Director fisheries (Admin) Smt. Megha Kerkar, Dy. Director fisheries (Acting) were also present on the occasion.
